Balkesir is a city of approximately 250.000 people. Its main exports are olive based products. It is a popular tourist destination for Turkish holidaymakers, who use it as a base to explore the nearly countryside which is renowned for its beauty, especially the nearby mountain of Kazdagi.
It is the capital of Balikesir Province with 1.1 million inhabitants (2004 estimate).
Balikesir is the capital of a region with rich agriculture and minerals.
Balikesir is connected by rail and road to Aksehir 150 km south, Izmir 250 km southwest and Eskisehir 300 km east, Ankara 550 km east and by road to Bursa.
The name Balikesir (or Balikesri) is probably a Turkish corruption of the earlier "Paleo Kastro" (Old Fortress).
In addition to its flourishing trade in local agricultural produce (tobacco, cotton, figs, etc.) Balikesir has a substantial amount of industry, including textiles, engineering and vehicle manufacture.
As the venue of a congress held to rally nationalist opposition to the Greek invasion of 1919, Balikesir played an important part in the Turkish War of Independence.
Feeds |
Contact